A source with knowledge of the federal investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., told the Daily Signal that investigators are examining alleged false statements on immigration-related documents in a years-long criminal investigation that resulted in a judicially-authorized search of her residence Monday.
Speaking to the Daily Signal in an interview Wednesday, the source disputed reports that Omar’s sister received a subpoena, saying that multiple family members had received subpoenas but Omar’s sister was not among them.
The investigation involves “fraudulent immigration documents,” the source said. “It’s related to fraud, lying on federal forms, related to immigration fraud.”
On Monday, Omar posted on X, “I’m ok. Make no mistake: this is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement.”
“For ten years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns,” she wrote. “This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation.”
While critics have characterized the search as an election-season escalation, the source described the matter as “a years long criminal investigation involving whistleblowers.”
A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed that the search was “part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”
The spokesperson also explained the DOJ’s policy when it comes to prosecutions in the lead-up to an election.
“There is no Department rule or policy that bars investigative or prosecutorial activity within 60 days of an election,” the spokesperson said.
The “60-day rule” is an “informal practice,” rather than a written policy. Justice Manual § 9-85.500 “prohibits prosecutors and agents from choosing the timing of any action for the purpose of affecting an election or advantaging or disadvantaging a candidate or party.”
“Department policy does not require the Department to stop ongoing work during an election season,” the Justice Department representative added. “Additionally, any action likely to raise that issue requires consultation with the Public Integrity Section.”
Omar, who was born in Somalia, came to the United States in March 1995. She became a U.S. citizen via derivative naturalization by her father in 2000. Critics have questioned aspects of that process, though Omar has denied wrongdoing.
Omar’s office did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.
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[ H/T The Daily Signal ]
